The Tear-Jerking World of Heart-Piercing Anime Songs
Do you have an anime that you got so hooked on it moved you to tears?
When you encounter a work like that, sometimes just hearing a single line of the theme song out of the blue can make you cry.
Maybe the song didn’t hit you at first, but the closer the finale gets, the more heartbreakingly it starts to feel…
In this article, we’ve gathered anime songs that will make you cry and cry and cry.
We’ve included both old and new anime, so it should resonate with a wide range of generations.
By all means, enjoy the works themselves along with the songs.
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- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
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- Tear ducts guaranteed to burst! Heart-wrenching masterpiece songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- [Collection of Epic Songs] A compilation of cool anime songs chosen by anime fans
- [Today's Tearjerker Song] Tear ducts destroyed! Timeless and trending tracks that will make you cry no matter what
- Tears won’t stop with these sentimental lyrics! Heisei-era tearjerker songs
[Tearjerkers] The World of Heart-Piercing Anime Songs (41–50)
Tomorrow will come.Tōhōshinki
A gem of a medium-tempo ballad by Tohoshinki that brought a moving close to the ending of the anime ONE PIECE.
The song conveys a universal and powerful message of hope: no matter how deep the darkness, dawn will surely break.
Its beautiful harmonies, carried by a gently soothing melody, perfectly align with the series’ worldview—overcoming the bonds of friendship, the pain of parting, and pressing on.
Released as a single in March 2006, it was also included on the album Heart, Mind and Soul later that year.
It’s a heartwarming track that gives you a gentle courage to face tomorrow—perfect for nights when you feel uncertain about the future or quietly think of someone dear.
Tomorrow will come.Tōhōshinki
A gem of a medium-tempo ballad by Tohoshinki that brought a moving close to the ending of the anime ONE PIECE.
The song conveys a universal and powerful message of hope: no matter how deep the darkness, dawn will surely break.
Its beautiful harmonies, carried by a gently soothing melody, perfectly align with the series’ worldview—overcoming the bonds of friendship, the pain of parting, and pressing on.
Released as a single in March 2006, it was also included on the album Heart, Mind and Soul later that year.
It’s a heartwarming track that gives you a gentle courage to face tomorrow—perfect for nights when you feel uncertain about the future or quietly think of someone dear.
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
This is a moving song created by Kenshi Yonezu as the theme for the anime Medalist, which portrays both the brilliance and setbacks of figure skating.
Like a bow dancing across the ice and an arrow aiming beyond, it depicts the passion of young people who drive forward powerfully toward their dreams.
It sings of how, when two souls—teacher and student, supporter and challenger—become one, they can break their limits and reach new heights.
Released in January 2025, it was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Medalist, capturing viewers’ hearts.
It also drew major attention for featuring Yuzuru Hanyu in its music video.
Trust youItō Yuna
The second ending theme of season 2 of Mobile Suit Gundam 00.
Its grand, sweeping sound is a real tearjerker.
The Gundam series delicately portrays the ever-changing human dramas and international situations amid endless cycles of conflict since time immemorial.
Combined with that style, this song is sure to draw you in.
Name of LifeKimura Yumi
It’s the theme song of Spirited Away.
The film’s main theme, Always With Me, is also sung by Yumi Kimura.
She also made a guest appearance at the 52nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2001, the year Spirited Away was released.
GarnetOku Hanako
This is a wonderful song that etches each fleeting moment of youth into the heart.
It gently portrays school grounds, after-school scenes, and the everyday moments we tend to overlook, while weaving in feelings for a cherished person, resulting in a tender composition.
Okuda Hanako’s clear, translucent voice warmly sings of memories that never fade with time and emotions that remain unchanged, making this a particularly memorable track.
Released in July 2006 as her fourth single, it was selected as the theme song for the animated feature film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, peaking at No.
51 on the Oricon charts and staying on the charts for 19 weeks.
Accompanied by a simple piano tone that brings back nostalgic memories, this song is one you’ll want to hear if you’ve experienced parting with someone dear or are about to take a new step forward.
Until the world ends…WANDS
It’s the second ending theme of SLAM DUNK.
It’s a masterpiece among masterpieces that captivates everyone—from the generation who watched the broadcast in real time to today’s youth.
The passionate lyrics, which resonate with the world of a work that you can’t watch without tears, are truly moving.